Cooling compress for cooling a detector

ABSTRACT

To cool detectors of level measuring devices, it is possible to use cooling compresses which are fastened to the detector housing. Such a cooling compress includes a cooling body which at least in part consists of a deformable material. The inner wall of the cooling body of the cooling compress is configured such that it moves towards a corresponding region of the outer surface of the detector to form a thermal contact with a corresponding region of the outer surface of the housing when a cooling fluid flows through the cooling body.

In many cases, this is achieved by an external temperature-control system, for example by a cooling unit or a heating system. Here, the thermal energy is transported by means of a suitable medium, such as a fluid.

The solutions known hitherto in level measurement, for example in the form of concentric, double-walled pipes, through which water flows, require for complex superficial structures of housings and containers, for example elevations, connections, displays or mechanical fastening devices, an adaptation, which is technically often complex and thus cost-intensive, of the temperature-control system, to continue to ensure the necessary access to the functional elements on the surface of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, a cooling compress is provided for cooling a detector of a level measuring device during a level measurement. The cooling compress comprises a cooling body which at least partly consists of a deformable material. Furthermore, the cooling body is configured for attachment to a detector and for the through-flow of a cooling fluid. One region of the inner wall of the cooling body is configured such that it moves towards a corresponding region of the outer surface of the detector and forms a thermal contact with the corresponding region of the outer surface when the cooling compress is attached to the detector and when the cooling fluid flows through the cooling body.

Apart from enabling cooling, the described device can also provide heating. Thus, in the following when cooling is mentioned, it includes both the possibility of controlling the temperature at a value below the instantaneous actual value of the temperature (cooling) and controlling the temperature at a value above the instantaneous actual value of the temperature (heating).

Instead of detectors, the cooling compress can also be configured to cool other types of technical devices, for which a temperature control is possible over the outer surface of the housing. This applies in particular to measuring devices and sensors, but also to containers, motors, technical assemblies and similar objects.

Instead of being configured to cool parts of level measuring devices, the cooling compress can also be configured to cool other measuring devices which are able to measure the most varied physical quantities:

In the context of this invention, a cooling fluid includes a liquid or gaseous medium which can transport heat. Thus, in many cases, water, and in climatically dry and hot geographical regions suitable gases are used as cooling fluid.

The cooling body is used for the actual temperature control and should have the best possible contact with the housing surface. According to the invention, this is achieved by the deformability of the cooling body which can thus be adapted to the shape and nature of the frequently irregular surface structure. Therefore, in the following, when “deformable” is stated, it means the characteristic of the material to be able to adapt in form once and permanently (plastically) or repeatedly (elastically, flexibly) to an externally adjoining surface structure. Consequently, a significant increase in the thermal conductivity between housing surface and cooling body may be achieved. For example, parts of the cooling sleeve can consist of materials such as polyurethane, in particular of an elastomer.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cooling compress is configured as a sleeve to be placed over the detector. In this case, the compress has a shape which, due to the all-round closed form, allows the compress to be simply subsequently fitted to the detector by being placed thereover, without complex fastening mechanisms. The shape is adapted to the shape of the detector and is hollow cylindrical, for example.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cooling compress has a first layer which forms an outer wall of the cooling compress. The cooling compress also has a second layer which forms an inner wall of the cooling compress. Furthermore, an introduction opening, a discharge opening and optionally a fastening device are provided. The first layer and the second layer are joined together such that they form a cavity for receiving the cooling fluid. Access to this cavity is provided via the introduction opening and/or via the discharge opening.

During operation of the cooling compress, the cooling fluid is under a pressure which is greater than the pressure of the medium surrounding the cooling body. The second layer consists of a deformable thermoconducting material. The introduction of the cooling fluid increases the volume of the compress.

The terms “outer wall ” and “inner wall” describe the position of the walls relative to the housing surface. The introduction opening and the discharge opening allow the cooling fluid to flow through the cooling compress. In this way, heat can be transported from or to the cooling compress.

The fastening device serves to produce a mechanical connection between the cooling compress and the detector.

The elevated pressure of the cooling fluid serves to increase the contact pressure force of the cooling body on the housing surface, and thus serves to improve the thermal coupling. The increase in volume of the cooling compress due to the cooling fluid flowing into the cavity is achieved by the material characteristic of deformability, in particular of the second layer.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the fastening device is configured such that it holds the cooling compress on the detector when the cooling compress is placed on the detector.

The fastening device is used to mechanically fix the cooling compress on the detector housing. This allows the build-up of an increased contact pressure of the cooling compress on the detector surface, in that it mechanically prevents the compensating movement of the cooling compress away from the housing surface.

Subject to the nature and shape of the detector, the fastening device can be configured as a hook and loop fastener, a strap, a tape, a screw connection, an adhesive joint, a clasp, a hook or the like.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the first layer also has on the outside thereof a layer of textile fabric, Kevlar or a similar material.

This additional layer serves to mechanically protect the cooling compress against external mechanical influences. The robust structure of the additional layer serves to prevent the cooling compress from suffering mechanical and/or thermal damage.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the introduction opening and/or the discharge opening is configured as a bushing.

The bushing is used to mechanically stabilise these openings and allows pipes or hoses to be connected for the introduction and discharge of the cooling fluid.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cooling compress has an electrically operated heating element for heating the cooling fluid.

In the context of this invention, the heating element denotes a device which, by the conversion of, for example, electrical energy into thermal energy, can release heat to the cooling fluid and thus heat the cooling fluid. This aspect of the invention allows a temperature control or heating to a desired temperature above the actual temperature.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner wall rests in a close-contoured manner against the housing surface, to be temperature-controlled, of the detector, when the cooling compress is attached to the detector.

In the context of this invention, “close-contoured” denotes the most accurately shaped adaptation as possible of the shape of the cooling body to the shape of the housing surface. This serves to maximise the directly contacting areas of cooling body and housing surface.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cooling compress has recesses which are configured such that elements of the housing surface of the detector are accessible from outside.

In the context of the invention, “recesses” is typically understood as meaning openings or indentations which are configured such that they are bonded, welded or sealed in a similar manner on the edges of the cooling compress to prevent the escape of cooling fluid. These recesses are used for continued access particularly to elements which are located under the cooling compress, even after said cooling compress has been applied.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a level measuring device having a cooling compress described above and in the following is provided.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a level measuring device is provided, in which the inner wall of the cooling body of the cooling compress rests in a close-contoured manner against the housing surface, to be temperature-controlled, of the detector.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the cooling compress described above and in the following is used for cooling a housing of a measuring device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the housing is a housing of a detector of a level measuring device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for the temperature-control of a detector using a cooling compress is described. The method has the following steps:

-   -   applying the compress;     -   securing the compress;     -   connecting the compress;     -   starting up the cooling circuit;     -   passing cooling fluid through the cooling compress, the pressure         of the cooling fluid inside the cooling body being greater than         the pressure of the medium surrounding the cooling body, as a         result of which at least one region of the inner wall of the         cooling body moves towards a corresponding region of an outer         surface of the detector to form a thermal contact with the         corresponding region of the outer surface of the detector, when         the cooling fluid flows through the cooling body.

The first four steps can be considered as being optional.

The expression “securing the compress” is understood as meaning the mechanical fixing of the compress using the described fastening devices. The expression “connecting the compress” is understood as meaning the production of the necessary connections for the cooling fluid at the inlet opening and outlet opening of the cooling compress as well as the connection of the remaining lines for pump, the pressure regulating device and the cooling unit. If provided, this includes the production of the electrical connections for the heating element. The expression “starting up the cooling circuit” is understood as meaning the switching on of the pump and the starting up of the cooling unit. As a result, the cooling fluid flows through the cooling compress, the pump, the open-loop and closed-loop control unit and the cooling unit.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a measuring arrangement for level measurement in a container.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a detector having a cooling compress.

FIG. 3 shows a variant of the cooling compress as a sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic illustration of the construction of a cooling compress according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a cooling compress with a heating element according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for the temperature control of a detector using a cooling compress.

FIG. 7 shows a cooling circuit for cooling a detector using a cooling compress.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The illustrations in the drawings are schematic and are not to scale.

When identical reference numerals are used in the following description of the figures, they denote identical or similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an arrangement for level measurement in a container 100 and is to illustrate the context of the use of level measuring devices. The container 100 has a lower access 101 and an upper access 102, which is configured as an inflow or outflow for the liquid 103 present in the container 100. FIG. 1 shows by way of example two configurations of measuring devices, here as a radiometric level measuring device 112 and as an ultrasound level measuring device 110. The radiometric level measuring device 112 comprises a detector housing 105 and a rod detector 107 which is attached to the outside of the housing of the container 100 by the fastening elements 109. This detector is used to detect the radioactive radiation 108 emitted by one or more radioactive radiation sources 106. These radioactive radiation sources 106 are attached to a support 104 such that the radiation passes through the medium to be measured to the detector 108. The level 111 of the liquid in the container 100 can be calculated by measuring the amount of radiation 108 impacting the detector 107. In particular, the housings 105 of radiometric detectors 112 necessitate a cooling procedure due to their mode of operation.

It should be noted that the configurations of measuring devices and detectors illustrated here merely serve as examples of a large number of measuring devices.

FIG. 2 shows an arrangement with a cooling compress 200 and a detector housing 201, the cooling compress having a first layer 203, a second layer 202 and the openings 207 for the introduction and discharge of the cooling fluid 205. The second layer 202 forms the inner wall 204.

The cooling compress 200 is constructed such that, as shown in FIG. 2, it only covers the partial areas of the housing 201 which actually require cooling. The nature of the configuration of the cooling compress 200 allows the temperature control of total areas, but also of partial areas of the surfaces of devices. This has the advantage that, since it is possible to be able to cool only relevant partial areas, the compress 200 can be configured in a relatively material-saving and cost-saving manner. The compress 200 can be attached to the surface of the housing 201 in different ways. In addition to the embodiments of the fastening devices described above, it is also possible to place the compress 200 over a horizontal housing surface, the dead weight of the compress 200 preventing undesirable shifts of the cooling compress 200 and allowing the build-up of a contact pressure on the housing surface.

During operation, the cooling fluid 205 is pumped through the cooling compress 200 via the inlet and outlet opening 207.

According to an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a detector housing 300 with a cooling compress 303, configured here as a sleeve. This means that the compress 303 encircles the entire radial surface of the detector 300. This makes it possible to place the sleeve or compress 303 over a detector, which is advantageous in terms of an easier attachment. Analogously to the preceding figures, the sleeve 303 has a first layer 301 and a second layer 302, the second layer 302 forming a direct contact with the outer housing of the detector 300 during operation.

A fixed seat of the sleeve 303 on the detector housing 300 to be cooled is achieved due to the contact pressure of the sleeve 303. On account of the deformability characteristic, the inner wall of the second layer 302 can be adapted to the surface structure of the detector housing 300 with the build-up of a contact pressure, and can achieve an optimum thermal coupling.

FIG. 4 shows the detailed structure of a cooling compress 400 according to an embodiment of the invention. The cooling compress 400 has a first layer 401 which is joined to a second layer 402. Formed between the first layer 401 and the second layer 402 is a cavity 406 which is used to receive the cooling fluid 407. It is also possible for a cavity 406 to be worked into the second layer 402 itself or for a foamed inner material of the second layer 402 to be provided which can absorb the cooling fluid 407 in the volume of the material of the second layer 402.

FIG. 4 also shows an inlet opening 403 and an outlet opening 404 which allow access to the cavity 406 from outside and are used for the supply of the cooling fluid 407 to the cavity 406 and for the discharge of the cooling fluid 407 from the cavity 406. According to an embodiment, to provide a mechanical reinforcement, the inlet opening 403 and the outlet opening 404 are each provided as a bushing 408. The cooling agent 407 can be introduced into the compress 400 by hoses or pipes via this bushing 408.

Fastening elements are also provided. In the figure, two securing straps 405 are shown, using which the cooling compress 400 can be attached to retaining elements on the housing surface.

The recess 410 is used for continued access to elements of the housing surface, such as mechanical fastening devices, displays, valves, connections, accesses and similar elements and thereby interfering with the cooling of the housing as little as possible. The recesses 410 are configured such that no cooling fluid 407 can escape at the edges of the recesses 410 and the geometric shape of the recesses 410 is chosen such that the housing elements concerned are easily accessible and at the same time, the recessed area is as small as possible.

The material of the second layer 402 can be configured plastically such that, after the first pressing procedure against the housing surface to be cooled, it allows the second layer 402 to retain this shape and to cure. This can be achieved, for example, using resin-based materials.

This results in a long-lasting resistant shape of the inner wall of the second layer 402. This has the advantage that even without excess pressure of the cooling fluid 407 in the cooling compress 400, the contact area between the cooling compress 400 and outer surface of the housing is increased and the thermal contact is improved. This implies a simplification of the cooling mechanism, since excess pressure no longer has to be built up to produce a contact pressure.

A corresponding method for the production of a formation of an inner wall of the second layer 402 has the following steps: applying the cooling compress 400; pressing the cooling compress 400 against the housing surface; securing the cooling compress 400, curing the second layer 402.

Attached to the outside of the second layer 402 is a further layer 409 which consists of a durable material, such as textile fabric, metal fabric or Kevlar. This additional layer 409 can protect the cooling sleeve 400 against mechanical influences, and also against extreme thermal influences. Furthermore, it reduces the likelihood of accidental damage to the cooling compress 400 during application or maintenance.

The mention of the term “cavity” here means the characteristic of the compress 400 of receiving the cooling fluid in its interior in a suitable manner and, in so doing, of increasing the volume of the compress 400 overall.

The cavities for the cooling fluid 407 can also be formed only when the cooling fluid 407 flows into the cooling compress 400. In other words, if cooling fluid 407 does not flow through a cooling compress 400, the cooling compress 400 does not necessarily have to contain a cavity 406. Depending on the configuration of the second layer 402, said cavity 406 can be formed only with the introduction of the cooling fluid 407 as a result of the deformable material of the second layer 402.

FIG. 5 shows a cooling compress 200 with an electrically operating heating element according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a temperature control can be carried out at a desired temperature which is higher than the actual temperature of the housing. The heating element has a heating coil 501 which is incorporated into the cooling compress 200 such that it results in the heating of the regions of the cooling compress which contact the surface of the housing.

A supply voltage source 503 is also shown which, together with a controller 502 and a switch 504, forms the supply voltage circuit. The controller 502 is used to regulate and control the electrical heating power of the heating element 501. The switch 504 is used to switch the heating element 501 on or off.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for the temperature control of a detector 201 using a cooling compress 200. In step 601, the compress 200 is positioned on the housing. In this respect, the region of the outer surface of the housing to be temperature-controlled is to be covered. In step 602, the compress is secured on the housing, for example, by tapes, straps, hook and loop fasteners or the like. In step 603, the compress is connected to the cooling circuit of the cooling fluid and optionally the electrical lines for the heating element 501 are also connected. In step 604, the compress is switched on. This means that the cooling fluid starts to be pumped and optionally the circuit of the heating element is supplied with power and is switched on by switch 504.

In the last step 605, the cooling fluid flows through the cooling compress, at least one region of the second layer 402 moving towards the corresponding region of the outer surface of the detector 201 due to the increased pressure of the cooling fluid 407 and forming a thermal contact with a corresponding region of the outer surface of the detector 201.

According to an embodiment of the invention, FIG. 7 shows a cooling circuit, comprising a cooling compress 200, a transportation system 701 for the cooling fluid 407, a pump 702, a cooling unit 703 and a closed-loop or open-loop control unit 704. The transportation system 701 is used to transport the cooling fluid through the components of the cooling circuit. Typically, pipes or hoses are used here which connect the individual components of the cooling circuit. On the one hand, the controllable pump 702 ensures the transportation of the cooling fluid 407 through the cooling circuit, and on the other it produces the excess pressure of the cooling fluid 407, required for pressing on the cooling compress. The cooling arrangement also comprises a closed-loop and open-loop control unit for controlling the pressure of the cooling fluid 407 in order to produce in the cooling compress a defined contact pressure which is as constant as possible. The closed-loop and open-loop control unit 704 produces a controlled variable 705 which is forwarded to the pump control, thereby making it possible to influence the pressure of the cooling fluid 407. For an expedient operation of the cooling compress 200, a pressure of the cooling fluid 407 and thereby of the contact pressure of the compress on the housing surface is produced which is as constant as possible.

An advantage of the invention may be that the contact area between the cooling body and the outer wall of the housing is increased due to the deformability of the cooling body. In addition, the thermal conductivity between cooling body and outer surface of the housing is improved by the contact pressure of the cooling compress on the housing. Recesses also provide the possibility of continuing to keep elements of the housing surface accessible.

In addition, it is pointed out that the terms “comprising ” and “having” do not exclude any other elements or steps and “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. It is also pointed out that features or steps which have been described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used combined with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting. 

1. A cooling compress for cooling a detector of a level measuring device during a level measurement, comprising: a cooling body at least in part consisting of a deformable material, the cooling body being configured for attachment to the detector, the cooling body being configured for a through-flow of a cooling fluid, wherein at least one region of an inner wall of the cooling body is configured to move towards a corresponding region of an outer surface of the detector to form a thermal contact with the corresponding region of an outer surface when the cooling compress is attached to the detector and when the cooling fluid flows through the cooling body.
 2. The cooling compress according to claim 1, wherein the cooling compress is configured as a sleeve for being placed over the detector.
 3. The cooling compress according to claim 1, further comprising: a first layer forming an outer wall of the cooling body; a second layer forming an inner wall of the cooling body; an introduction opening; and a discharge opening; wherein the first layer and the second layer are joined together such that they form a cavity in the cooling body to receive the cooling fluid; wherein an access to this cavity is provided via one of (a) the introduction opening and (b) the discharge opening; wherein during an operation of the cooling compress, the cooling fluid is under a pressure which is greater than the pressure of the medium surrounding the cooling body; wherein the second layer consists of a deformable and thermoconducting material; and wherein the volume of the compress increasES as a result of introducing the cooling fluid into the cooling body.
 4. The cooling compress according to claim 3, further comprising: a fastening device holding the cooling compress on the detector.
 5. The cooling compress according to claim 3, wherein a layer of textile fabric, Kevlar or similar material is arranged on the outside of the first layer.
 6. The cooling compress according to claim 3, wherein at least one of (a) the introduction opening and (b) the discharge opening is configured as a bushing.
 7. The cooling compress according to claim 1, further comprising: an electrically operated heating element heating the cooling fluid.
 8. The cooling compress according to claim 1; wherein the cooling compress has recesses which are configured such that elements of the housing surface of the detector are accessible from outside when the cooling compress is attached to the detector.
 9. A level measuring device, comprising: a cooling compress according to claim
 1. 10. The level measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the inner wall of the cooling body rests in a close-contoured manner against the housing surface, to be temperature controlled, of the detector.
 11. The level measuring device according to claim 9, wherein the cooling compress has a recess which is configured such that elements of the housing surface of the detector are guided through the recess and are thus accessible from outside.
 12. Use of a cooling compress according to claim 1 for cooling a housing of a measuring device.
 13. Use according to claim 12, wherein the housing is a housing of a detector of a level measuring device.
 14. A method for controlling a temperature of a detector using a cooling compress, comprising the steps: passing cooling fluid through the cooling compress, wherein the pressure of the cooling fluid inside the cooling body is greater than the pressure of the medium surrounding the cooling body, as a result of which at least one region of an inner wall of the cooling body moves towards a corresponding region of an outer surface of the detector to form a thermal contact with the corresponding region of the outer surface of the detector, when the cooling fluid flows through the cooling body. 